European Ryder Cup hero confirmed to make Staysure Legends Tour debut

Henrik Stenson will make his long-awaited debut on the Staysure Legends Tour later this month at the Barbados Legends, hosted by Ian Woosnam at Apes Hill.

The 2016 Open champion and three-time Ryder Cup winner becomes the latest high-profile name to join the over-50s circuit, adding further strength to a field already packed with major winners, Ryder Cup stars and former European Tour champions.

Stenson, one of Europe’s most recognisable players of the modern era, arrives in Barbados with an outstanding record that includes victories on both sides of the Atlantic and a career spent competing at the very top of the game.

“I’m looking forward to getting out there again and seeing some of the guys I’ve played with over the years,” said Stenson, who celebrated his 50th birthday on 5 April. 

“There are a lot of familiar faces and friends, so it’ll be nice to be back in that environment. I haven’t been to Barbados for 20 years but it’s a beautiful place and the Apes Hill course looks incredible.”

The Swede, who was relegated from LIV Golf last season after four years on the breakaway league, insists his competitive edge remains intact as he begins this new chapter.

“I still feel like I’ve got something to give on the competitive side,” he added. 

“If you can get yourself into those positions, the belief is still there. I’ve always been a competitor, and that doesn’t really go away.”

Stenson’s career highlight came at Royal Troon in 2016, when he produced one of the finest performances in major history to win The Open Championship. A closing round of 63 secured victory over Phil Mickelson and a record 20-under-par total of 264.

That triumph sits at the centre of a career defined by consistency and elite performance. In 2013, Stenson became the first player to win both the FedEx Cup and the Race to Dubai in the same season — a rare double that cemented his status among the world’s best.

Across his career, he has claimed six PGA Tour titles, 11 DP World Tour victories and one LIV Golf win, while also representing Europe in five Ryder Cups, contributing to three winning teams.

Stenson will reunite with several former teammates in Barbados, including Jamie Donaldson, who has already enjoyed success on the Legends Tour this season with victory in Marbella.

Event host Ian Woosnam is relishing the chance to welcome Stenson back into the fold.

“Welcoming Henrik to Apes Hill will be a wonderful moment,” said Woosnam. “To be reunited on the course 20 years after the 2006 Ryder Cup, where he holed the winning putt, will be truly special.

“The event has grown every year and offers something unique — world-class golf in an incredible setting, combined with a great experience for both players and amateurs.”

Set 1,000 feet above sea level, Apes Hill provides a striking backdrop with panoramic ocean views, strong coastal winds and a layout that rewards confident shot-making. Its fast fairways and challenging greens promise a stern test for the field.

Stenson will tee it up alongside a host of proven winners, including defending champion Scott Hend, former Open champion Paul Lawrie, US Open winner Michael Campbell and Masters champion Woosnam himself.

The field also features Ryder Cup players such as Stephen Gallacher, underlining the depth and quality now regularly seen on the Legends Tour.

The Barbados Legends is also one of the few events to offer the “Legends Experience”, giving amateurs the opportunity to compete alongside professionals in tournament conditions.

With a major title, a historic transatlantic double and a reputation for delivering under pressure, Stenson’s debut adds further intrigue to one of the standout events on the 2026 Legends Tour schedule.